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lumbar puncture
noun
: puncture of the subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid or inject anesthetic drugs
Examples of lumbar puncture in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The dura can be damaged from head injuries or punctured during surgical procedures involving the sinuses, brain or spine, such as lumbar puncture, epidurals, spinal anesthesia or myelogram.
—Danielle Wilhour, Discover Magazine, 15 Aug. 2024
If meningitis is suspected, the healthcare provider will obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using a lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap).
—Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 2 July 2024
Pen-and-paper cognitive tests remain the most common diagnostic method; only 2 percent of patients undergo the gold standard test—lumbar puncture and PET brain scans.
—João Medeiros, WIRED, 24 June 2024
Yet the best ways of diagnosing Alzheimer’s are either expensive (PET scans can cost $3,000) or invasive (cerebrospinal fluid can be obtained only through a lumbar puncture).
—TIME, 2 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for lumbar puncture
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lumbar puncture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1895, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near lumbar puncture
Cite this Entry
“Lumbar puncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lumbar%20puncture. Accessed 22 Sep. 2024.
Medical Definition
lumbar puncture
noun
: puncture of the subarachnoid space in the lumbar region of the spinal cord to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid or inject anesthetic drugs
called also spinal tap
More from Merriam-Webster on lumbar puncture
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lumbar puncture
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